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Griezmann dedicated the goal to Nacho Barbera, an Atletico fan and teenage player who died from a heart attack last weekend during a game in eastern Spain.

Griezmann celebrated by holding up a shirt dedicated to late Atletico fan Nacho Barbera

Griezmann held up a shirt with the last name of Barbera preceded by 'Cholo,' the nickname for Atletico's coach Diego Simeone.

'It was an important win. We knew it would be tough, but these are the games we like to play,' Griezmann said. 'We will keep fighting in every game we have left and we will see what happens.'

Last-placed Malaga did little to threaten an equaliser despite Atletico allowing the hosts to dominate possession.

The only test for Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak came in the 51st minute with a diving one-handed save against Roberto Rosales' well-struck free kick.

The match was stopped for several minutes near the end when Malaga substitute Medhi Lacen was injured in a collision with Fernando Torres after they appeared to clash heads. Lacen was carried off on a stretcher after doctors attended to him on the pitch.

Barcelona can restore their lead to nine points if it beats Getafe at home on Sunday.